10 Famous Baritone Singers of All Time

Baritone singers have always held a special place in the world of music. Their rich, deep voices bridge the gap between the higher tenor and the lower bass, creating a unique and powerful sound that resonates with audiences across genres.

In this comprehensive guide, we have uncovered the top 10 famous baritone singers of all time, exploring their contributions and the enduring impact they’ve made on music. So, join us as we explore the lives and legacies of these incredible artists, and be inspired by their lasting influence.

List of Famous Baritone Singers

1: Frank Sinatra

Date of Birth: December 12, 1915, Hoboken, New Jersey

Date of Death: May 14, 1988m California, United States

Best Songs:

• Fly Me to the Moon
• In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning
• My Funny Valentine
• My Way
• New York, New York (Sinatra’s last song to feature on the Billboard Hot 100)

Accolades:

• Academy Award in USA for his role in “From Here to Eternity” (1954)
• CableACE Award (1983)
• Golden Apple Awards (1977)

Frank Sinatra, a virtuoso figure in the 20th-century music scene, rose to become one of the world’s best-selling baritone music artists. Sinatra started his journey as a crooner with bandleaders Harry James and Tommy Dorsey in the 1930s and 1940s before launching a solo career, which continued for six decades.

He made his first debut in a singing role in “Las Vegas Nights.” He starred in over 58 films, including “Ocean’s 11” and “Guys and Dolls”. His talent also shone on television and radio. Despite facing professional setbacks and personal tribulations during the 1950s, Sinatra made a comeback with albums like “Come Fly With Me” and “My Way”, continuing his position as a cultural icon.

Sinatra was also associated with various charitable causes for child welfare and health. His unique baritone voice and emotional depth in his performances have left an indelible mark on the world of music and entertainment, making him one of the most famous baritone singers.

2: Elvis Presley

Date of Birth: January 8, 1935, Tupelo, Mississippi

Date of Death: August 16, 1977, Tennessee, United States

Best Songs:

• Can’t Help Falling in Love
• Jailhouse Rock
• Don’t Be Cruel
• Can’t Help Falling in Love
• Hound Dog

Accolades:

• Music City Walk of Fame (2008)
• Country Music Hall of Fame (1998)
• Grammy Award for Best Inspirational Performance (1975)
• Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
• Good Conduct Medal
• Presidential Medal of Freedom

Elvis Presley, known as the “King of Rock and Roll,” emerged as a well-known face in 1950s music and an American Actor. His distinctive baritone voice, stage presence, and hit songs like “Jailhouse Rock” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love” revolutionized pop culture.

Born in 1935 in Mississippi, Elvis Presley quickly rose to fame and earned acclaim as the best-selling solo music artist in history, with over one billion records sold globally. He is known for his performances in operas. Elvis Presley’s debut song was “Heartbreak Hotel,” which was released on January 27, 1956. He captivated the audience with his singing and stunning performances in the 1970s.

Despite his untimely passing in 1977, Presley’s legacy endures. Honored posthumously with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2018, his impact on music and culture remains immeasurable.

3: Johnny Cash

Date of Birth: February 26, 1932, in Kingsland, Arkansas

Date of Death: September 12, 2003, Tennessee, United States

Best Songs:

• I Walk the Line
• Folsom Prison Blues
• Ring of Fire
• Hurt
• Sunday Morning Coming Down

Accolades:

• Grammy Hall of Fame (2018)
• 49th Country Music Association Awards (2015)
• Memphis Music Hall of Fame (2013)

Johnny Cash, an American singer, songwriter, and actor revered as one of the 20th century’s most influential musicians. His resonant baritone voice brought depth to hits like “I Walk the Line,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and “Ring of Fire,” exploring themes of love, loss, and redemption with raw honesty and grit.

Known for his somber attire, earning him the moniker the Man in Black, Cash sold over 90 million records during his illustrious 49-year career until his passing in 2003. He made his first debut in “Hey Porter” and “Cry Cry Cry,” which were released in 1955 and then he released “Folsom Prison Blues” on Top 5 and then “I Walk the Line” on Top 1 of the Country’s Music Chart.

His works made him one of the famous baritone singers of all time and his craze still continues after his demise on September 12, 2003.

4: Tom Jones

Date of Birth: June 7, 1940, Pontypridd, Wales

Best Songs:

• It’s Not Unusual
• What’s New Pussycat?
• She’s a Lady
• Delilah
• Tower of Song

Accolades:

• BAMBI Awards (2017)
• Walk of Fame (1989)
• MTV Video Music Award Best Breakthrough Video (1989)

Tom Jones, born Sir Thomas John Woodward, holds a prominent place among the world’s famous baritone singers. His career debut in the mid-1960s was through “It’s Not Unusual”. This energetic track topped charts in the UK and US, setting the stage for Jones’s musical journey spanning over six decades.

Tom Jones’s powerful baritone voice and charismatic stage persona have resonated with audiences worldwide, leading to the sale of over 100 million records. His repertoire, including iconic songs like “What’s New Pussycat?”, “Green, Green Grass of Home,” and “Delilah”, has connected with fans across the globe.

Tom Jones’s talent extends beyond his excellence in singing. He has also showcased his versatility by appearing in various reality TV shows in the UK, adding another dimension to his illustrious career.

5: Leonard Cohen

Date of Birth: September 21, 1934, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Date of Death: November 7, 2016, Los Angeles, California, United States

Best Songs:

• Suzanne
• Hallelujah
• Anthem
• Famous Blue Raincoat
• Everybody Knows

Accolades:

• Genie Award (1986)
• Grammy Award (2018)
• Prince of Asturias Award (2011)

Leonard Cohen, a Canadian artist known as a baritone singer in the 20th-century. Renowned for classics such as “Suzanne,” “Hallelujah,” and “Anthem,” Cohen’s first debut in Hallelujah set him apart within the music industry, influencing several musicians and writers.

Albums like,”The Songs of Leonard Cohen” (1967), “Songs from a Room” (1969), and “Songs of Love and Hate” (1971) showcased his ability to craft narratives and melancholic ballads.

Despite his career’s highs and lows, Cohen managed to emerge as one of the most famous baritone singers, winning prestigious awards for his masterpieces.

6: Tony Bennett

Date of Birth: August 3, 1926, in Long Island City, Queens

Date of Death: July 23, 2023, Manhattan, New York, United States

Best Songs:

• Because of You
• Rags to Riches
• Cold, Cold Heart
• Stranger in Paradise
• I Left My Heart In San Francisco

Accolades:

• CableACE Award (1996)
• Grammy Award (2022)
• Primetime Emmy Awards (2007)

Tony Bennett, born Anthony Dominick Benedetto, is an American icon of traditional pop and jazz standards, renowned for his smooth, velvety voice. Rising to prominence in the 1950s with hits like “Because of You” and “Rags to Riches,” Bennett released more than 70 albums and earned an impressive 20 Grammy Awards.

Tony Bennett’s passing in July 2023 at the age of 96 marked the end of an era, yet his impact remains profound and enduring. His signature song, “I Left My Heart In San Francisco,” and other chart-topping hits like “Cold, Cold Heart” and “The Good Life” continue to resonate with audiences worldwide, ensuring his place among the greatest musical talents of all time.

7: Bing Crosby

Date of Birth: May 3, 1903, Tacoma, Washington, U.S.

Date of Death: October 14, 1977, Golf La Moraleja, Alcobendas, Spain

Best Songs:

• White Christmas
• Pennies from Heaven
• Three Little Words
• I’ve Got a Pocketful of Dreams
• Swinging on a Star
• It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Accolades:

• Grammy Award (1963)
• Academy Award (1944)
• Laurel Award (1962)
• Walk of Fame (1960)

Bing Crosby, born Harry Lillis Crosby Jr. also known as “The Voice of Christmas” was an iconic American baritone singer, opera performer and actor who emerged as one of the most influential singers and actors of the 20th century.

Crosby rose to fame in the 1930s with hits like “I’ve Got a Pocketful of Dreams” and “Swinging on a Star.” He made his debut in “I’ve Got the Girl” which was released in 1926. He recorded over 1,600 songs and sold more than 1 billion records, establishing himself as one of the top-selling artists.

Crosby’s career spanned five decades, marked by numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Actor in 1944 for his role in “Going My Way.” Crosby’s impact on popular culture remains profound, maintaining his position as the famous baritone singer.

8: Josh Groban

Date of Birth: February 27, 1981, Los Angeles, California, U.S.

Best Songs:

• You Raise Me Up
• Remember
• Believe
• You are Loved (Don’t Give Up)
• February Song

Accolades:

• GoldSpirit Award (2001)
• Primetime Emmy Awards (2019- Nominee)
• Grammy Awards (2024- Nominee)
• Billboard Music Awards

Josh Groban, a globally renowned American baritone singer, songwriter, and actor, has captivated audiences worldwide. His debut album in the early 2000s, ‘You’re Still You’, soared to No. 10 on the Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks, marking the beginning of a journey that would see him sell over 25 million records globally. Groban’s rich, operatic voice, which seamlessly blends classical, pop, and rock music, has resonated with fans from all corners of the world. His famous albums include ‘Closer’, ‘Awake’, ‘Stages’, and more.

Beyond music, Groban has demonstrated his versatility in the entertainment industry. His talent has shone in films and television, including Crazy, Stupid, and Love, leaving audiences intrigued by his diverse skills.

9: Nat King Cole

Date of Birth: March 17, 1919, Montgomery, Alabama

Date of Death: February 15, 1965, Santa Monica, California, United States

Best Songs:

• When I Fall in Love
• The Very Thought of You
• Mona Lisa
• Sweet Lorraine
• When I Fall In Love

Accolades:

• Grammy Awards
• Golden Globes, USA
• Walk of Fame

Nat King Cole, an iconic American baritone singer, pianist, and jazz musician, rose to prominence in the 1940s and 1950s with his smooth and mellow voice. Cole achieved immense success with hits like “Mona Lisa,” “Unforgettable,” and “The Christmas Song.”

Beyond his musical accomplishments, Cole played significant roles in television and film like “Cat Ballou“, “Sweet Lorraine”, “Ramblin’ Rose”, etc. Furthermore, he hosted “The Nat King Cole Show,” becoming the first African American to lead a TV program, and acted in several films.

Cole’s career as a singer spanned three decades, during which he sold over 50 million records. He took his last breath on February 15, 1965 leaving his name in golden words as a famous singer and actor.

10: Barry White

Date of Birth: September 12, 1944, Galveston, Texas

Date of Death: July 4, 2023, California, United States

Best Songs:

• Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe
• You’re the First, the Last, My Everything
• Just the Way You Are
• Let the Music Play
• It’s Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next to Me

Accolades:

• Grammy Award (2000)
• Walk of Fame (2013)
• Soul Train Awards (1995)

Barry White was an acclaimed American singer, songwriter, and producer, celebrated for his deep and velvety baritone voice. Rising to fame in the 1970s, White captivated audiences with romantic soul ballads and disco hits like “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe” and “You’re the First, the Last, My Everything.”

His music, characterized by smooth vocal delivery, lush orchestration, and sensual lyrics, became synonymous with romantic encounters.

White’s career includes two Grammy Awards and a legacy of over 100 million records sold worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time. He recorded 20 studio albums and numerous gold and platinum singles. White’s remarkable talent and contributions to music secured his position in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Even after his demise, he inspired generations and revolutionized music culture.